What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mineral
Example
Calcite is a common mineral found in limestone. [mineral: noun]
Example
The mining company extracted valuable minerals from the earth. [minerals: plural noun]
Example
Iron is an important mineral that helps transport oxygen in the blood. [mineral: adjective]
rock
Example
Granite is a common rock found in the Earth's crust. [rock: noun]
Example
I love listening to classic rock music from the 70s. [rock: noun]
Example
Despite facing many challenges, she remained rock-solid in her convictions. [rock: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rock is more commonly used than mineral in everyday language, especially in the context of music. Mineral is a more technical term used primarily in scientific and industrial contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between mineral and rock?
Mineral is a more formal term than rock, which has a wider range of informal and colloquial uses, such as in the context of music or as an adjective to describe someone's personality or behavior.